Essendon VFL is set to crown its 2017 Best and Fairest winner on Wednesday night.
The R.A Freeman Medal is likely to go down to the wire with a string of players impressing throughout the season.
Here is a look at some of the leading contenders.
Nick O’Brien
The Essendon Captain backed up his SANFL form that saw him finish runner-up in the Magarey Medal (the SANFL’s equivalent of the Brownlow medal) last year, with another excellent season at state level.
In his 11 games, O’Brien averaged 31 disposals and provided some clutch goals late in the season.
Ben Howlett
Howlett only played ten games at VFL level, but was a leading contributor on each occasion.
He averaged 23 disposals and eight tackles.
Kobe Mutch
The first year Bomber showed he’s comfortable mixing it with the bigger bodies in senior football.
Mutch played 18 games and averaged 21 disposals.
He spent most of the season in the midfield and also showed he's strong in the air.
Craig Bird
The AFL premiership player, produced a string of excellent VFL performances throughout the season.
In his 14 matches at VFL level, the former Swan averaged 25 disposals and also booted seven goals.
Heath Hocking
The hard-nosed midfielder averaged 18 disposals, five tackles and three marks in the VFL.
Hocking was also praised by coaching staff for his leadership throughout the season.
Nick Hind
The dasher earned selection in the state squad after some impressive performances for the Bombers.
Hind played 15 games and his speed constantly opened up the opposition defences.
Dylan Clarke
Another of the first year players to impress during his first taste of senior football.
Clarke was a strong contested ball winner and also showed he can play a role in attack.
He played 18 games, averaging 18 disposals and five tackles.
Alex Boyse
The agile forward was the side’s leading goal kicker and looks set for a bright future.
Boyse kicked 31 goals this season, which was also enough for him to finish eighth Frosty Miller medal for the competition’s leading goal kicker.
